Israel offers Yuletide cheer to beat the virus blues

Despite the coronavirus pandemic, several places in Israel are already planning their Christmas festivities, from the Mideast's biggest Xmas tree in Nazareth to Jaffa's crystal celebrations of Jewish, Christian and Muslim traditions
Iris Lifshitz-Klieger|
Christmas is almost upon us, and despite the uncertainty of the pandemic season, several places around Israel have already donned their festive finery and decorated their Christmas trees, and are now waiting for visitors seeking to enjoy a little Yuletide cheer.
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  • One such place is the central Israel city of Jaffa, which is positively brimming with lights and holiday decorations on every corner.
    5 View gallery
    וכך זה נראה מלמעלה: כיכר השעון ביפו
    וכך זה נראה מלמעלה: כיכר השעון ביפו
    Jaffa's Christmas tree
    (Photo: Yael Goisky Abas)
    In the city’s Clock Square stands a 15 meter decorated Christmas tree, while Santa Claus gifts hand sanitizer and masks to all passers-by.
    Near the tree stand eight massive, differently colored dreidels, which rest next to four crystal snowballs - each housing a different statue signifying the Jewish, Islamic and Christian holidays.
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    סנטה קלאוס מחלק מסכות. יפו
    סנטה קלאוס מחלק מסכות. יפו
    Santa Claus handing out hand sanitizer and masks in Jaffa
    (Photo: Yael Goisky Abas)
    In addition, tours will be held in the city all through December alongside live and online performances.
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    כדור שלג ענק בכיכר השעון ביפו
    כדור שלג ענק בכיכר השעון ביפו
    One of the crystal balls in Jaffa
    (Photo: Yael Goisky Abas)
    A motorized Santa Claus procession will pass throughout the city to hand out house decorating kits, while the a cappella Siraj Band will perform Christmas songs at Jaffa visitors center.
    Up north, the town of Mi'ilya celebrates the holidays with a variety of bright and colorful lights, spectacular Christmas trees, Santa Claus dolls, traditional decorations and a festive atmosphere.
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    הדלקת עץ האשוח ברחבת כנסיית המולד במעיליא
    הדלקת עץ האשוח ברחבת כנסיית המולד במעיליא
    The lighting of the Christmas tree in Mi'ilya
    (Photo: Alias Abu Oksa)
    In Jerusalem, visitors can soak in the joyful Christmas atmosphere in the Abbey of the Dormition on Mount Zion, and, of course, at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in the Old City.
    Visitors can also visit the city’s lavishly fitted Christmas tree located just outside the city’s YMCA building.
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    חג המולד נצרת
    חג המולד נצרת
    Christmas in Nazareth
    (Photo: AFP)
    Nazareth, meanwhile, boasts the largest and brightest Christmas tree in the Middle East as well as the Church of the Annunciation - which is overflowing with holiday cheer.
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